Sampadak Parishad worried by Prothom Alo editor's indictment

The Sampadak Parishad (Editors’ Council) has issued a statement expressing their concern about the framing of charges against Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman in a case filed over the death of Dhaka Residential Model School and College student Nayeemul Abrar.

Nayeemul Abrar was electrocuted during a program of Kishor Alo at the Dhaka Residential Model School and College sports ground on November 1 last year. 

With due respect to the rule of law, the Sampadak Parishad thinks that it is a cause of concern that Matiur Rahman was made accused in the charge sheet in the case even though he was not present at the event, said a statement.

The Sampadak Parishad hoped that there will be no influence from any quarters when it comes to ensuring justice, it added.

The council discussed the matter in zoom meetings chaired by Mahfuz Anam on November 21 and 26. At the meetings, the overall crisis in the newspaper industry was reviewed and the way out of this situation was also discussed, according to the statement.

The council members also expressed their condolences over the death of Khandaker Muniruzzaman, a founding member of the council.

The participants discussed the uncertain situation of the newspaper industry amid the coronavirus pandemic, as well as a reduction in the number of advertisements and copies sold. Furthermore, cases against journalists under the Digital Security Act, and the harassment of editors and senior journalists in various ways were also discussed.